He receives the Friendship Award from Vice-Premier Ma Kai in Beijing in September. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"There is a huge exchange of personnel between our two institutions," says Hart.

He even initiated a special hands-on program that allowed physicians from the hospital to work alongside doctors in the US.

Besides introducing clinical skills and best practices, Hart and his university have offered the hospital opportunity to improve its medical care through the sharing of ideas and culture, according to Zhan Yilei, assistant director of the hospital's Center for International Collaboration.

Traditionally a doctor's work is done as long as she or he has treated the disease well. But that's not enough and things like privacy in the wards or follow-up services for patients are important as well, Zhan says.